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Leslie Nielsen, famed for his playing accident-prone detective Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun comedies, died tonight at a hospital near his home in Ft. Lauderdale where he was being treated for pneumonia, according to his agent. He was 84.

The Canadian-born Nielsen came to Hollywood in the mid-1950s after performing in 150 live television dramas in New York. With a craggily handsome face, blond hair and 6-foot-2 height, he seemed ideal for a movie leading man. He quickly became known as a serious actor, though behind the camera he was a prankster. That was an aspect of his personality never exploited, however, until Airplane! was released in 1980 and became a huge hit. Click here for more.

Funny, funny guy. And he was great in Forbidden Planet too. He will truly be missed!

MDD

Nov 29, 2010 9:14 AM CST

You will be missed!

Just_Dave

Nov 29, 2010 8:26 AM CST

"[S]ometime, when the crew is up against it, and the breaks are beating the boys, tell them to get out there and give it all they've got. And, win just one for the Zipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Doc," he said, "but I won't smell too good. That's for sure." Dr. Rumack: Can you fly this plane and land it? Ted Striker: Surely you can't be serious. Dr.Rumack : I am serious, and don't call me Shirley. Dr. :You'd better tell the Captain we've got to land as soon as we can. This woman has to be gotten to a hospital. Elaine Dickinson: A hospital--what is it? Dr. Rumack: It's a big building with patients, but that's not important right now. Frank: It's the same old story. Boy finds girl, boy loses girl, girl finds boy, boy forgets girl, boy remembers girl, girl dies in a tragic blimp accident over the Orange Bowl on New Year's Day. Jane: Goodyear? Frank: No, the worst. I'd known her for years. We used to go to all the police functions together. Ah, how I loved her, but she had her music. I think she had her music. She'd hang out with the Chicago Male Chorus and Symphony. I don't recall her playing an instrument or being able to carry a tune. Yet she was on the road 300 days of the year. In fact, I bought her a harp for Christmas. She asked me what it was. President Bush: Frank, please consider filling a post I'm creating. It may mean long hours and dangerous nights, surrounded by some of the scummiest elements in our society. Frank: You want me to be in your cabinet? Frank: I'm single! I love being single! I haven't had this much sex since I was a Boy Scout leader! --Music Stops. People stare.-- Frank: I mean at the time I was dating a lot. Thank you Mr. Nielsen.